The Word Made Flesh And Oneness of Alohim

Approaching the Word: A Journey Through John’s Gospel

The Gospel of John is a remarkable narrative, inviting readers on a journey into the profound mystery of God's (Alohim) Word. At its heart is a revelation so powerful that it has shaped lives and cultures for millennia. For those who approach John’s Gospel from a perspective of Oneness—affirming that Alohim is one and indivisible, as declared in the Shema—this journey unveils a singular truth: Jesus (YHWShA) is not a second person of the Godhead but the physical manifestation of the one true Alohim.

The Gateway to Understanding: “In the Beginning Was the Word”

The opening words of John’s Gospel echo the familiar beginning of Genesis: “In the beginning, Alohim created the heavens and the earth.” John builds on this foundation, declaring, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Alohim, and the Word was Alohim.” This is not an introduction to a separate entity but a bold declaration that the Word is Alohim’s self-expression.

In ancient Aramaic translations of the Old Testament, known as the Targums, the term "Memra" (Word) was often used to describe Alohim’s active presence. John’s Gospel continues this tradition, showing that YHWShA is the embodiment of this Word—the living, breathing, tangible presence of YHWH among us.

The Aramaic Influence on John’s Gospel

By the time of YHWShA, Hebrew and Aramaic were the everyday language of the Jewish people. Synagogue readings often featured the Targums, where “Memra” described Alohim’s actions in ways that personified His power and presence. For example, in Targum Neofiti’s rendering of Genesis 3:8, Adam and Eve hear the “sound of the Word of YHWH Alohim walking in the garden.” This usage underscores that the Word is not a distinct being but Alohim Himself in action.

John draws from this tradition, connecting YHWShA to the Memra of the Targums. When he writes that “the Word became flesh,” he asserts that YHWShA is the physical revelation of YHWH, the Alohim who walked with Adam and spoke to the patriarchs.

The Driveway of Revelation

Approaching John’s Gospel feels like traveling up a long driveway to a grand house. Along the way, the scenery reveals glimpses of what lies ahead. The Gospel’s opening verses provide this introduction, preparing us for the truth that unfolds.

John begins with the foundational statement: “In the beginning was the Word.” These words are a gateway, inviting us to see that this Gospel is not merely the story of one person but the revelation of Alohim’s eternal purpose. The Word, active in creation and throughout history, has now entered creation as YHWShA.

The Word Become Flesh: The Central Revelation

The Gospel’s pivotal declaration is found in John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” For Oneness believers, this is a profound affirmation that the one true Alohim, YHWH, took on human form. YHWShA is not a distinct person within a triune Godhead but the visible expression of the invisible Alohim.

This aligns with Old Testament passages where Alohim’s presence is described in physical terms. From His conversations with Abraham to His revelations to Moses, Alohim has always engaged with His creation in ways that humans can perceive. In YHWShA, this engagement reaches its climax, as the fullness of Alohim dwells in bodily form.

Exploring the Depths: The Light in the Darkness

John’s Gospel portrays YHWShA as the light shining in the darkness, confronting the brokenness of creation. This light is not separate from Alohim but an extension of His very essence. When YHWShA declares, “I am the light of the world,” He is revealing His identity as YHWH made manifest.

Yet, the darkness does not understand or accept the light. Humanity’s resistance to YHWShA mirrors a broader struggle to recognize the presence of the one true Alohim.

The Challenge of Recognition

Throughout John’s Gospel, we see a recurring theme: people fail to recognize YHWShA for who He truly is. Even those closest to Him struggle to grasp the magnitude of His identity. This echoes the experiences of Israel, who often misunderstood Alohim’s actions and presence in their history.

John emphasizes that this failure to recognize YHWShA is not because He is distant or hidden but because humanity often prefers darkness to light.

Grace Upon Grace: The Fulfillment of the Law

John contrasts the law given through Moses with the grace and truth that come through YHWShA. The law served its purpose, pointing humanity toward Alohim’s holiness. However, it was never the final destination. YHWShA, as the embodiment of YHWH, fulfills and surpasses the law, offering a grace that transforms and redeems.

This grace is not an addition to Alohim’s nature but a continuation of His eternal character. Through YHWShA, YHWH extends His hand to a world in desperate need of salvation.

Becoming Children of Alohim

One of John’s most profound declarations is that those who believe in the name of YHWShA have the right to become children of Alohim. This spiritual rebirth is not confined to a specific lineage or nationality but is open to all who embrace the truth of YHWH’s oneness revealed in YHWShA.

This marks the reversal of the division of nations at Babel, where humanities’ pride and idolatry led to their scattering. Through YHWShA, who was given all power after His resurrection, the path is opened for all people—regardless of their heritage or bloodline—to become children of Alohim. Those once distant from the promises of Jacob’s lineage are now invited into the family of YHWH, united under His name and authority.

To believe in YHWShA’s name is to recognize Him as the manifestation of YHWH. It is to see that the Alohim who spoke the world into existence is the same Alohim who walked among us, now drawing all nations back to Himself.

Finding Your Place in the Story

John’s Gospel is more than a historical account; it is an invitation. It calls each reader to step into the story and accept the light and grace that YHWShA offers. This is not a story of multiple persons within the Godhead but of one Alohim reaching out to His creation in love.

As we embrace this truth, we find our place in the eternal narrative of Alohim’s purpose. We become part of the grand drama of redemption, where the light overcomes the darkness, and grace transforms lives.

Conclusion

John’s Gospel invites us on a journey into the heart of YHWH’s purpose. It reveals that the Word, active in creation and throughout history, became flesh to bring light, grace, and truth to humanity. For those who believe in the oneness of Alohim, this Gospel is a testament to His singularity and His unwavering love for His creation.

The journey begins at the gateway, moves along the driveway of revelation, and culminates in the realization that the one true Alohim has made Himself known in YHWShA. Will you step into the light and find your place in this story?

Here’s a set of five FAQs to complement the blog:

FAQs on John’s Gospel and the Oneness of Alohim

1. What does John mean by “In the beginning was the Word”?
This phrase echoes Genesis 1:1 and signifies that the Word (Memra in Aramaic) is not separate from Alohim but is His self-expression. It affirms that YHWShA, the Word made flesh, is the embodiment of YHWH and has existed from the beginning as the active agent of creation and revelation.

2. How does the Oneness perspective align with John’s Gospel?
The Oneness perspective views Alohim as one and indivisible, as declared in the Shema. John’s Gospel supports this by showing YHWShA not as a second person of a trinity but as the physical manifestation of YHWH. This highlights the unity and singular nature of Alohim in all His actions.

3. What is the significance of “The Word became flesh”?
This phrase in John 1:14 reveals that YHWShA is the visible, tangible presence of YHWH among humanity. It signifies that YHWH, who interacted with His creation throughout history, has now entered the world in human form to bring light, grace, and truth to all.

4. How does John’s Gospel reverse the division at Babel?
The division at Babel, caused by humanities’ pride and idolatry, scattered the nations and confused their languages. Through YHWShA, who was given all power after His resurrection, all nations are now united in the family of Alohim. John 1:12 declares that anyone who believes in YHWShA’s name can become a child of Alohim, transcending heritage and bloodline.

5. How does John’s Gospel apply to modern readers?
John’s Gospel is an invitation to step into Alohim’s eternal story. It reveals YHWShA as the light that overcomes darkness and the grace that transforms lives. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder of YHWH’s singular nature and His desire to draw all people to Himself through faith in YHWShA.